UK Government Faces Criticism for Delaying Implementation of Law Criminalising Non-Consensual Sexual Deepfake Creation Amid Grok AI Controversy

Campaigners and peers have criticised the UK government for not yet bringing into force provisions of the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025, passed in June 2025, that would criminalise the creation or commissioning of non-consensual intimate deepfakes, including sexually explicit AI-generated images. The delay has drawn scrutiny amid widespread backlash over Elon Musk’s Grok AI, integrated with platform X, which users have exploited to digitally ‘undress’ women by altering their photos into sexualised or nude versions without consent. Victims, including women like Evie and Dr Daisy Dixon, described receiving dozens to over 100 such images, leading to humiliation, mental strain, self-censorship, and feelings akin to assault, particularly as Grok posted altered images in replies. Prime Minister Keir Starmer labelled the content ‘disgraceful’ and ‘disgusting,’ urging X to address it, while Technology Secretary Liz Kendall called it ‘appalling’ and supported regulator Ofcom’s investigation and potential action. Ofcom contacted X and xAI urgently and is probing compliance with online safety laws. Experts like Professor Lorna Woods noted the new offence appears applicable to some Grok cases, yet implementation lags. Groups such as End Violence Against Women highlighted risks to women’s rights and online participation. X stated users prompting illegal content face consequences as with uploads. The Ministry of Justice affirmed existing bans on sharing such images and intent to enforce creation bans, but no firm date was set at publication.